Democrats have seized control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a sweeping rebuke to President Donald Trump and ending Republican dominance in Washington.
The result gives Democrats control of the House of Representatives and Senate from January, setting up two years of divided government and a major challenge to the final half of Mr Trump’s presidency. The party’s gains reached deep into traditionally Republican territory, with victories in states including South Carolina, Texas and Kansas. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/9c5c4c5283f58b1ae0786e2f410c21a0))
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader from New York, is expected to become the first Black Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027. His election would mark a historic moment for the institution and place him second in line to the presidency.
Mr Jeffries described the result as a “stunning rebuke of MAGA extremism” and said the outcome represented a “great victory for the American people”. He has pledged a 100-day programme focused on the cost of living, including gas, groceries and healthcare, alongside aggressive investigations into the Trump administration. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b1d26390b7ed7968435089be6d3bf612))
Iran war blamed for Republican losses
Vice-President JD Vance said the Republican Party’s defeat was primarily caused by the war in Iran, writing that “the reason we lost is the war”. He argued that any honest assessment of the result had to begin with the conflict and its political cost.
Mr Trump also acknowledged that the eight-month-old war had affected the vote, pointing to rising petrol prices linked to the conflict. He said the military action had been necessary, but warned that the incoming Democratic majorities could lead to political gridlock.
“I don’t want to be just sitting there for two years vetoing everything,” Mr Trump told Politico, although he has also said he would use his presidential veto to block Democratic legislation. The president retains that power, meaning Democrats will need Republican support for measures they cannot pass with enough votes to override him. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/9c5c4c5283f58b1ae0786e2f410c21a0))
The election leaves Democrats with the task of responding to voter anger over high prices, the war and concerns about the direction of the country, while proving they can govern after spending two years in opposition.
Republicans, meanwhile, face a leadership reckoning. Mike Johnson is not expected to seek the House Republican leadership after losing the speakership, while other senior figures have begun positioning themselves for the party’s new minority role. ([abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/Politics/live-updates/midterm-elections-live-updates/?entryId=137849803&id=137782085))
